In a decisive step towards protecting women and girls with disabilities from violence, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) held a crucial progress review meeting with its interagency taskforce in Borno State. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, focused on assessing achievements, addressing challenges, and reinforcing collaborative efforts to ensure safety, justice, and empowerment for one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
The interagency taskforce, consisting of stakeholders from government bodies, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies, serves as a coordinated response mechanism to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls with disabilities. During the session, participants reflected on the progress made, evaluated gaps in service delivery, and discussed strategies to enhance future interventions.
Grace Jerry, the Chief Executive Officer of IFA, emphasized the importance of the gathering. “This review allows us to recalibrate our strategies to make a real, lasting impact. Our goal remains unwavering: to provide protection, support, and access to justice for women and girls with disabilities in Borno State,” she said.
As part of the meeting’s outcome, the taskforce began drafting a comprehensive strategic action plan. This framework will prioritize survivors’ protection, improve access to psychosocial support and legal services, and ensure collaboration between security agencies and community-based organizations to respond swiftly to cases of violence.
Amplifying Voices Fellowship: A New Phase Begins in Borno State
In another inspiring move, IFA announced the commencement of the next phase of the Amplifying Voices Fellowship in Borno State. This initiative aims to train and empower a new generation of advocates, including both young people with disabilities and those without, to champion the fight against gender-based violence in their communities.
“This fellowship gives young advocates the skills they need to drive meaningful change and make their communities safer for people with disabilities,” said Grace Jerry. “Through the program, we are not just equipping individuals but also amplifying voices that often go unheard, ensuring that disability inclusion becomes an integral part of community development.”
The new phase will empower 20 passionate leaders who will undergo intensive training on advocacy, disability rights, and community engagement. Participants will also collaborate with local stakeholders to address GBV, spreading awareness and mobilizing support within their communities.
The fellowship is part of the broader Amplifying Voices project, a Ford Foundation-supported initiative aimed at advancing gender equality and promoting disability inclusion across Nigeria.
A United Front for Lasting Impact
Through initiatives like the interagency taskforce and the Amplifying Voices Fellowship, IFA continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a society where the rights of women and girls with disabilities are upheld and protected.
“This is not just a project for us—it’s a movement,” said Jerry. “Our work is about creating a safer, more inclusive society for every individual, regardless of ability. Together with our partners, we’re showing that change is possible and that every voice matters.”
With the momentum from the taskforce’s progress and the new phase of the fellowship, IFA and its partners are taking critical steps toward ensuring that women and girls with disabilities in Borno State live free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
This latest effort reflects IFA’s long-standing dedication to empowering marginalized groups and fostering a more inclusive Nigeria, setting a powerful example of collaboration, resilience, and community-driven change.
